Card and dice wagering game

ABSTRACT

A card and dice game allows a player to bet on the outcome of a comparison of a numerical value determined by a roll of one or more dice and another numerical value determined by a card drawn from a deck. The player wagers that the difference between the card value and the dice value will be greater than or equal to a predetermined amount whereupon the wager wins. If the difference between the card value and the dice value is less than the predetermined amount, the wager loses. The payout on the wager has the potential of being a high multiple of the bet amount, depending upon the magnitude of the difference between the card value and the die value, where greater magnitudes result in larger payouts.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application that claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 12/268,610, filed Nov. 11, 2008 and that also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/261,243, filed Nov. 13, 2009 and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/286,945, filed Dec. 16, 2009, all three of which such applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This relates to gaming and card games. More particularly, this relates to methods and apparatuses for playing a new type of card and dice game especially for use in casino gaming, both in electronic video and live table formats.

BACKGROUND

Wagering games are a prominent form of entertainment today. Gambling establishments, such as casinos, are appearing in every region. There are many wagering games, including bingo, roulette, card games such as blackjack, dice games such as craps and slot machines. Some people are attracted to wagering games because they experience a different feeling of excitement every time they bet in certain types of games. Also some people engage in gambling activities just for the sake of having fun.

Wagering activities include state lotteries; parimutuel betting on horses, greyhounds, and jai-alai; sports book-making; card games; keno; bingo; slot machines; video poker machines; video keno machines; video blackjack machines; and video roulette machines. These activities have grown greatly, especially when considering that most have only recently become legalized in many jurisdictions.

Casino gaming is a large part of the commercial gambling market. Customers gamble by playing slot machines or other games of chance (e.g., craps, roulette, baccarat) and some skill (e.g., blackjack, poker). Games usually have mathematically-determined odds that ensure the house has an advantage over the players at all times. This advantage is called the house edge. In games such as poker where players play against each other, the house takes a commission.

Casino-style gaming continues to grow in popularity, due in part to the rise in new casino destinations and the expansion of existing casino locales. A casino usually offers so-called banked games, i.e., where the house is banking the game and basically acting as a participant, and has a stake in who wins. On the other hand with a non-banked game, like the lottery, the operator does not care who wins.

For many players, the main goal of wagering games is recreation. However some players can become bored with any given game, at which point they likely will play that game less frequently. Thus there is a need for wagering games that are new, relatively simple to learn and play, and provide the excitement and interest necessary for entertainment.

SUMMARY OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Broadly speaking, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a casino-style card and dice game wherein a player bets against the house or a dealer on the outcome of a comparison of a numerical value determined by a roll of dice and another numerical value determined by a card drawn from a deck. The player wagers that the difference, or “spread,” between the card value and the dice value will be greater than a predetermined amount. The payout on the wager has the potential of being a high multiple of the wager and may be paid in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that increases the payout as the difference, or spread, increases in magnitude.

According to one embodiment, a wager is established. At least one die is rolled thereby generating a die value, and a card is dealt thereby displaying a card value. The wager is paid (i.e., won) if a difference between the die value and the card value is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. On the other hand the wager is taken (i.e., lost) if the difference between the card value and the die value is less than the predetermined amount.

In one aspect the paying of the wager includes paying the wager in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the difference between the card value and the die value. In one embodiment, the function of the magnitude of the difference is an increase in the payout odds corresponding to an increase in the magnitude of the difference between the card value and the die value.

In another aspect, the rolling of the at least one die comprises rolling two dice each having six faces numbered one to six so that the die value is a value between 2 and 12, inclusive.

In yet another aspect, the dealing of the card includes dealing the card from at least one standard deck of 52 cards, wherein each one of the plurality of cards has a point value between 1 and 13, inclusive.

In another embodiment, a wager is established. A first card is dealt from a first deck thereby displaying a first card value between 1 and 6, inclusive. A second card is dealt from a second deck thereby displaying a second card value between 1 and 6, inclusive. The sum of the first card value and the second card value is a combined card value between 2 and 12, inclusive. A third card is dealt from a third deck thereby displaying a third card value between 1 and 13, inclusive. The wager is paid if a difference between the third card value and the combined card value is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

In one aspect, the first and second decks each comprises at least one each of an Ace card, a Two card, a Three card, a Four card, a Five card, and a Six card, wherein the first deck and the second deck include no cards other than the Ace card, the Two card, the Three card, the Four card, the Five card, and the Six card. Moreover, each of the first and second decks contains equal amounts of each of the Ace card, the Two card, the Three card, the Four card, the Five card and the Six card. Also, the third deck comprises at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards.

In yet another embodiment, a wager is established based upon a prediction of one of a first game outcome and a second game outcome, wherein the first game outcome is a future card value being less than a future die value, and wherein the second game outcome is the future card value being greater than the future die value. At least one die is rolled thereby generating a present die value, and a card is dealt thereby displaying a present card value. The wager is paid if the present card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome. Also the wager is paid if the present card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome. If the present card value is equal to the present die value (i.e., if there is a “tie”) then at least one half of the wager is returned to the player.

In one aspect, the rolling of the at least one die comprises rolling a first die thereby generating a first die value and rolling a second die thereby generating a second die value. The present die value is the sum of the first die value and the second die value. The returning of the at least one half of the wager (if there is a tie) includes returning all of the wager if doubles are rolled (i.e., if the first die value is equal to the second die value), but only returning one half of the wager if doubles are not rolled (i.e., if the first die value is not equal to the second die value).

In another aspect, the rolling of the at least one die comprises rolling two dice each having six faces numbered one to six, so that the present die value is a value between 2 and 12, inclusive. Dealing the card includes dealing the card from at least at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards, wherein each one of the plurality of cards has a point value between 1 and 13, inclusive.

In yet another embodiment, a first wager is established based upon a prediction of one of a first game outcome and a second game outcome, wherein the first game outcome is a future card point value being less than a future die value, and wherein the second game outcome is the future card point value being greater than the future die value. Also an option to establish a second wager is provided. At least one die is rolled thereby generating a present die value. A card is dealt thereby displaying a present card value. The first wager is paid if the present card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome. Also the first wager is paid if the present card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome. The second wager is paid if the option was exercised and if a difference between the present die value and the present card value is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

In one aspect at least one half of the first wager is returned if the present card value is equal to the present die value.

In another aspect, the second wager is taken if the option was exercised and if the difference between the present card value and the present die value is less than the predetermined amount.

In yet another aspect, the paying of the second wager includes paying the second wager in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the difference between the present card value and the present die value.

There are additional aspects to the present inventions. It should therefore be understood that the preceding is merely a brief summary of some embodiments and aspects of the present inventions. Additional embodiments and aspects are referenced below. It should further be understood that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. The preceding summary therefore is not meant to limit the scope of the inventions. Rather, the scope of the inventions is to be determined by appended claims and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of certain embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a playing table layout according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E illustrate a simplified flow diagram of certain of the steps performed in playing a wagering game according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate a simplified flow diagram of certain of the steps performed in playing a wagering game according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a simplified flow diagram of certain of the steps performed in playing a wagering game according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a simplified functional block diagram of a computer according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention include a wagering game that uses one or more standard decks of playing cards (with 52 cards per deck and with no Joker cards) and two regular, six-sided dice. A player places a bet corresponding to his/her prediction of whether a future numerical value of a card to be drawn from the decks will be higher or lower than a future numerical value of the dice to be rolled or thrown. This bet is designated simply as an “over” or “under” bet, respectively. The dice are then thrown or rolled on a surface until they come to rest so that each die exposes a number on an exposed face of the die. The numbers of each die are added to provide a present die value between 2 and 12, inclusive.

The dealer next deals a card face up from the decks thereby displaying a present card value. The point value of the card is compared with the value of the previously-thrown dice to determine any winnings. That is, if the present card value turns out to be less than the present die value, the player will win if his/her first bet was an “under” bet. This “under” bet corresponds to the player's prediction that a future numerical card value would be lower than a future numerical die value. Otherwise, the player loses the bet. On the other hand, if the present card value turns out to be greater than the present die value, the player will win if the bet was an “over” bet. Otherwise the player loses. In the event of a tie (i.e., where the present card value equals the present die value), the player loses one half of the wager unless dice “doubles” were thrown, in which case all of the player's wager is returned to the player (i.e., a “push”).

In another embodiment, a player places a bet. The dice are then thrown or rolled on a surface until they come to rest so that each die exposes a number on the upward face of the die. The numbers of each die are added to provide a die value between 2 and 12, inclusive. The dealer deals a card face up from the decks thereby displaying a card value. The point value of the card is compared with the value of the previously-thrown dice and the difference (or “spread”) between the two values is determined. That is, if the card value turns out to be less than the die value, then the card value is subtracted from the die value to determine the spread. On the other hand, if the card value turns out to be greater than the die value, the die value is subtracted from the card value to determine the spread. Regardless of which method is used to determine the spread, once it has been determined this amount is compared to a predetermined pay scale. If the spread is less than a predetermined minimum amount, the bet loses. If the spread is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, then the bet wins and is paid according to the pay scale that provides for a greater payout as a function of a larger spread magnitude.

The pay scale can be designed with any number of different parameters, payouts or predetermined minimum amounts and not impact the spirit of certain embodiments the invention. An exemplary pay scale having higher payouts as the magnitude of the difference or spread, is increased, is set forth in the following pay table:

Spread Payout 6 1 to 1 7 2 to 1 8 3 to 1 9 5 to 1 10 10 to 1  11 30 to 1 

Referring to this table, if for example the roll of the dice results in a die value of 2, and the card that was dealt results in a card value of 8, the spread between these values would be 6. The wager would be paid 1 to 1 (or sometimes designated as “1:1”) according to the pay table. However, if after the same die value of 2, the card that was dealt results in a card value of 10, the spread would be 8 and the wager would be paid at a higher amount, such as 3 to 1, according to the above pay table. (By a payout of “1 to 1” it is meant, for example, that for every dollar that was bet, the player would receive back two dollars, representing the original one dollar bet plus another dollar. A payout of “3 to 1” would mean, for example, that the player would receive back four dollars for every one dollar bet, etc.)

It should also be noted that similar spread magnitudes and similar payouts can be achieved where a die value is greater than a card value, such as for example when a dice roll results in a die value of 10 and a card that was dealt results in a card value of 4. This condition would also result in a spread of 6 and would similarly be paid 1 to 1 according to the exemplary pay table. A spread of 8 would also result if the dice roll resulted in a die value of 10 and the dealt card resulted in a card value of 2. The resulting spread of 8 would similarly be paid 3 to 1 per the exemplary pay table. Finally it should be noted that in the above example, any spread that is less than the predetermined amount of 6 will result in a loss of the wager.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a playing table layout 102 according to one embodiment of the invention. The layout 102 includes a number grid 105 used by the dealer to mark the outcome of the dice roll. Around the perimeter of one edge (not shown) of a table surface are a plurality of individual player betting areas 110 for use by the players. Each of the betting areas 110 includes a first location 112 where one bet can be placed and a second location 114 where a second bet can be placed. Each betting area 110 further includes a location for a pay table 116 that includes printed information relating to the payout of bets pursuant to a predetermined pay scale. In one embodiment the pay table 116 would include printed information that is similar to the exemplary pay table illustrated above.

While FIG. 1 illustrates a table layout 102 and player stations or betting areas 110 according to one embodiment, it will be appreciated that alternative table layouts and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The illustrated table layout 102 and player betting areas 110 are just one of many arrangements that can be employed to facilitate the placement of wagers by one or more players and the amount of the wagers and payouts can be quickly and easily determined by the casino dealer as well as the players.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a simplified process flow diagram of a method of playing a wagering game according to one embodiment of the invention. This is relatively simple way to play this novel wagering game in that there is no second or other wager options. In this embodiment, a first random number is generated with dice, and a second random number is generated with cards. The dice comprise two, standard dice, each having six faces numbered 1 to 6. Thus when the two dice are thrown, a generally random die number between 2 and 12, inclusive, will be generated by adding the values of both dice. The cards comprise at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards without any Joker cards, i.e., wherein a deck includes four suits of cards with each suit having cards with face designations or indicia associated with point values of 2 through 10, as well as a Jack, Queen, King and Ace. Thus when a card is drawn from at least one properly shuffled deck, a generally random card value between 1 and 13, inclusive, will be generated according to a point value assigned to the card face indicia of each card as set forth in the following chart:

Card Face Indicia Assigned Point Value Ace 1 Two 2 Three 3 Four 4 Five 5 Six 6 Seven 7 Eight 8 Nine 9 Ten 10 Jack 11 Queen 12 King 13

Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, at the start of the game a player decides whether to bet “over” or “under” and places a wager on the betting table at a location on the table that designates the nature of the player's decision. (Step 202) For a betting table having the layout as shown in FIG. 1, the wager would be placed in the first location 112, and more specifically in an “over” bet location 118 for an “over” bet or in an “under” bet location 120 for an “under” bet. This wager amounts to a prediction by the player of one of two game outcomes: either a future card value will be less than a future die value (i.e., an “under” bet) or the future card value will be greater than the future die value (i.e., an “over” bet). In alternative embodiments, other designations can be used in the place of the “over” and “under” designations. For example the designations could be a “high” bet in lieu of the “over” bet designation, and a “low” bet in lieu of the “under” bet designation.

Next the two dice are rolled thereby generating a die value which is observed by the player. (Step 204) This die value will be a value between 2 and 12, inclusive, as determined by adding the values of the two dice. Then a single card is dealt face up from one or more decks of shuffled cards thereby displaying a card value, which will be a value between 1 and 13, inclusive, as determined by the above chart. (Step 206) The card value is compared with the die value, and a determination is made whether the card value is higher than the die value, lower than the die value or tied with the die value. (Step 208)

If the card value is lower than the die value, then a determination is made whether in step 202 the player had made an “under” bet, i.e. a prediction by the player that a future card value will be lower than a future die value. (Step 210) If the player had bet “under,” then the wager is paid, i.e., he/she wins the wager. (Step 212) In such event, the amount paid to the player would be at an odds or payout of 1 to 1, i.e., for example for every one dollar that was wagered in step 202, the player would receive two dollars—representing the one dollar that the player initially wagered along with another one dollar paid as winnings Returning to step 210, if on the other hand the player had not bet “under” (in other words, the player in fact had bet “over”), then the wager is taken, i.e., the player loses the wager. (Step 214)

Returning now to step 208, if on the other hand the card value turned out to be higher than the die value, then a determination is made whether in step 202 the player had made an “over” bet, i.e., a prediction by the player that a future card value will be higher than a future die value. (Step 216) If the player did bet “over,” then the wager is paid and the player receives a payout of 1 to 1. (Step 218) If on the other hand the player had not bet “over” (in other words, he/she in fact had bet “under”), then the wager is taken or lost. (Step 220) Returning again to step 208, if on the other hand there is a tie, i.e., the card value is equal to the die value, then a determination is made whether the dice roll had been a roll of “doubles”, i.e., whether there had been rolled a pair of “l′s”, a pair of “2's”, a pair of “3's”, a pair of “4's”, a pair of “5's” or a pair of “6's.” (Step 224) If there had been a roll of doubles, then there is a “push” of the wager, i.e., the player's wage is returned in full to the player without any winnings or loss. (Step 226) On the other hand if there had not been a roll of doubles, then the player loses one-half (½) of the wager, and one-half (½) of the wager is returned to the player. (Step 228) In an alternative embodiment, rather than returning one-half of the wager, the player loses the entire wager if there had not been a roll of doubles.

The embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B involves a game outcome prediction relating to whether a card value will be higher or lower than a die value. In an alternative embodiment however this is reversed. That is, the player bets on a game outcome prediction relating to whether a die value will be higher or lower than a card value. In this embodiment, the steps of FIGS. 2A and 2B are generally the same. However in step 202, the difference is that a player's “under” bet amounts to a prediction that a future die value will be less than a future card value, and an “over” bet amounts to a prediction that the future die value will be greater than the future card value. Also in this alternative embodiment, the decision step 208 of FIG. 2A is replaced by decision step 230 shown in FIG. 2C wherein the dice and card values are compared, and a determination is made whether the die value is higher than the card value, lower than the card value or tied with the card value. In yet a further alternative embodiment, not only is the decision step 230 of FIG. 2C substituted, but also the order of performing steps 204 and 206 of FIG. 2A is reversed so that the card is dealt prior to the dice being rolled.

The embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B involves a question of whether or not there had been a roll of doubles to determine how much of the bet is lost by the player when the die value and the card value are the same. In another embodiment, one or more of the card suits (e.g., Spades, Hearts, Diamonds or Clubs as contained in a standard deck of 52 playing cards without jokers) will be designated. The designation may be determined, for example, by the marking of a particular space on the playing surface, by drawing another card from a deck and using the suit of that card as the designation, or by displaying a sign or other indicia indicating the designated suit or suits at the table. Regardless of how the suit designation is determined, if the suit of the card that was dealt to determine the present card value is the same as the previously-designated suit, then the wager is returned in full to the player when there is a tie. Otherwise one half of the wager is lost, or in an alternative embodiment all of the wager is lost.

FIGS. 2A and 2D illustrate an embodiment involving the use of a designated suit for determining the nature of any return of a wager when there is a tie. Steps 202-220 of FIG. 2A are the same as previously described. However referring to step 208 if it is determined that there is a tie, then a determination is made whether the suit of the card that was dealt in step 206 is the same as the designated suit. (Step 234) If the suit of the card is the same as the designated suit, then there is a push. (Step 236) On the other hand if the suit of the card is not the same as the designated suit, then the player loses one-half of the bet. (Step 238) In an alternative embodiment rather than losing one-half of the bet as shown in step 238, the entire bet is lost if the suits do not match.

In yet another embodiment, any return of a wager arising from a tie is determined by dealing a second card thereby displaying a second card value. If the second value would have caused the wager to have won had the second card been dealt in place of the originally-dealt card, then the player's wager would be returned to the player, i.e., a “push.” If the second card value would not have caused the wager to have won had the second card been dealt in place of the originally-dealt card, then one half of the wager is lost. In an alternative embodiment the full wager is lost in lieu of one half of the wager.

FIGS. 2A and 2E illustrate an embodiment involving the use of a second card for determining the nature of any return of a wager when there is a tie. Steps 202-220 of FIG. 2A are the same as previously described. However according to this embodiment if at step 208 it is determined that there is a tie, then a second card is dealt face up thereby displaying a second card value. (Step 240) The second card value is compared with the die value and a determination is made whether the second card value is higher, lower or equal to the die value. (Step 242) If the second card value is lower than the die value, then a determination is made whether in step 202 the player had made an “under” bet. (Step 244) If the player had made an “under” bet, then there is a push of the wager. (Step 246) On the other hand if an “under” bet had not been made (i.e., the player had bet “over”), then one half of the wager is lost. (Step 248)

Returning to step 242 if on the other hand the second card value is higher than the die value, then a determination is made whether in step 202 the player had made an “over” bet. (Step 250) If the player had made an “over” bet, then there is a push of the wager. (Step 252) On the other hand if an “over” bet had not been made (i.e., the player had bet “under”), then one half of the wager is lost. (Step 248) Returning again to step 242 if the second card value is equal to the die value (i.e., if there is a second tie), then one half of the wager is lost. (Step 248) In an alternative embodiment rather than losing one-half of the bet as shown in step 248, the entire bet is lost under the various conditions described above leading to step 248.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate a simplified process flow diagram of a method of playing a wagering game according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a first random number is generated with dice, and a second random number is generated with cards. The dice comprise two, standard dice, each having six faces numbered 1 to 6. Thus when the two dice are thrown, a generally random die number between 2 and 12, inclusive, will be generated by adding the values of both dice. The cards comprise at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards, i.e., wherein a deck includes four suits of cards with each suit having cards with face designations or indicia associated with point values of 2 through 10, as well as a Jack, Queen, King and Ace. Thus when a card is drawn from at least one properly shuffled deck, a generally random card number between 1 and 13, inclusive, will be generated according to a point value assigned to the card face indicia of each card as set forth in the above chart.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, a player makes a wager on the betting table at a designated location on it. (Step 302) For a betting table having the layout as shown in FIG. 1, the wager would be placed in the second location 114. Next the two dice are rolled thereby generating a die value. (Step 304) This die value will be a value between 2 and 12, inclusive, as determined by adding the values of the two dice. The dealer announces the result of the roll and marks the present dice value on the table, such as for example on the number grid 105 of FIG. 1. Then a single card is dealt face up from the one or more decks of shuffled cards thereby displaying a card value, which will be a value between 1 and 13, inclusive, as determined by the above chart. (Step 306) The die value is compared with the card value, and a determination is made whether the die value is higher than the card value, lower than the card value or tied with the card value. (Step 308)

If the die value equals the card value, then there is a tie whereupon the player's wager loses and is taken. (Step 310) If the die value is higher than the card value, the card value is subtracted from the die value to determine the difference, or spread, between the two values. (Step 320) The spread is then compared to a predetermined amount, and a determination is made if the spread is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount. (Step 322)

Still referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, if the spread is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount, the player's wager wins and is paid in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the spread. (Step 324) In one embodiment the winning wager is paid according to the pay table illustrated above. If the spread is neither equal to nor higher than the predetermined amount, the player's wager loses and is taken. (Step 326) Returning now to step 308, if on the other hand the die value is lower than the card value, then the die value is subtracted from the card value to determine the spread. (Step 330) The spread is then compared to the predetermined amount, and a determination is made if the spread is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount. (Step 332) If the spread is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount, the player's wager wins and is paid according to the predetermined pay scale. (Step 334) If the spread is neither equal to nor higher than the predetermined amount, the player's wager loses and is taken. (Step 336) In the above described embodiment, the predetermined amount is a value of six (6); however other predetermined amounts may be used in other embodiments.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C, one or more dice are used for generating a generally random number for comparison with a card that is drawn from at least one, shuffled deck. In alternative embodiments, however, cards from special decks can be substituted for the one or more dice in order to generate a generally random number that would mimic the generally random number that results from the roll of one or more dice. In one embodiment, a first deck of cards is used in lieu of one die to generate a first card value, and a second deck of cards is used in lieu of a second die to generate a second card value. The first and second card values are summed to determine a combined card value. A third card is drawn from a third deck to determine a third card value. The combined card value and the third card value are compared to determine the spread. That is, the lower of the combined card value or third card value is subtracted from the higher of these values. Winning bets (and the amounts of the payouts) are determined in the same fashion as the embodiment described above in connection with FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a simplified process flow diagram of an embodiment of the invention that uses a first deck of cards in lieu of a first die and a second deck of cards in lieu of a second die. The first and second decks are each limited to a plurality of cards having values between 1 and 6, inclusive. A player makes a wager (Step 402), after which one card is dealt from a first deck thereby displaying a present first card value. (Step 403) Similarly a card is dealt from a second deck thereby displaying a present second card value. (Step 404) The values of these two cards are added to determine a combined card value, which in this embodiment is a value between 2 and 12, inclusive. (Step 405) A third card is dealt from a third deck thus displaying a third card value between 1 and 13, inclusive, as determined by the chart described above. (Step 406)

The combined card value is compared with the third card value and a determination is made whether the combined card value is higher or lower or equal to the third card value. (Step 408) If the combined card value equals the third card value, then there is a tie and the player's wager is taken. (Step 410) On the other hand if the combined card value is higher than the third card value, the spread is determined by subtracting the third card value from the combined card value. (Step 420) The spread is then compared to a predetermined amount, and a determination is made as to whether the spread is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount. (Step 422) If the spread is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount, the player's wager wins and is paid in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the spread. (Step 424) If the spread is neither equal to nor greater than the predetermined amount, the player's wager loses and is taken. (Step 426)

Returning now to step 408, if on the other hand the combined card value is lower than the third card value, then the combined card value is subtracted from the third card value to determine the spread. (Step 430) The spread is then compared to the predetermined amount, and a determination is made if the spread is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount. (Step 432) If the spread is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the player's wager wins and is paid in accordance with the predetermined pay scale. (Step 434) On the other hand if the spread is not equal to nor higher than the predetermined amount, the player's wager loses and is taken. (Step 436)

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C, the first and second decks are each comprised of at least one each of an Ace card, a Two card, a Three card, a Four card, a Five card, and a Six card—all of which such cards have generally the same appearance as their counterparts as taken from a standard deck of 52 playing cards. Moreover, each of the first and second decks includes no cards other than the Ace card, Two card, Three card, Four card, Five card and Six card. Finally, each of the first and second decks contains equal quantities of each of the Ace card, Two card, Three card, Four card, Five card, and Six card.

The above disclosure includes embodiments where one bet is based upon a prediction of whether a future die value will be over or under a future card value. Other disclosed embodiments include another bet that is based upon whether the spread between a die value and a card value will be equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Alternative embodiments, however, can generally include the use both of these types of bets in a single game.

Thus for example according to one embodiment, a first wager is established based upon a prediction of a first game outcome or a second game outcome, wherein the first game outcome is a future card point value being less than a future die value, and wherein the second game outcome is the future card point value being greater than the future die value. Also an option to establish a second wager is provided. At least one die is rolled thereby generating a present die value. A card is dealt thereby displaying a present card value. The first wager is paid if the present card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome. Also the first wager is paid if the present card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome. Moreover the second wager is paid if the option was exercised and if a difference between the present die value and the present card value is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

In one aspect of this embodiment at least one half of the first wager is returned if there is a tie, i.e., if the present card value is equal to the present die value. In another aspect, the second wager is taken if the option was exercised and if the difference between the present card value and the present die value is less than the predetermined amount.

In yet another aspect, if the second wager is won, it is paid in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the difference between the present card value and the present die value.

While the second wager is optional in the foregoing embodiment, alternative embodiments include games where the second wager is not optional, so that it is a requirement for playing the game that both the first and second wagers be made.

As previously mentioned, in some embodiments one or more dice are used for producing a generally random number for comparison with the value of a card that is drawn from at least one shuffled deck. In alternative embodiments, cards can be substituted for the one or more dice in order to generate a generally random number that mimics the generally random number generated by rolling one or more dice. When a plurality of players is playing with one dealer, the card or cards that are drawn from the deck(s) can apply to all players for each round of betting. Thus the same card value(s) is applicable to all players. In alternative embodiments however, the dealer can deal the cards so that each of the plurality of players receives his/her own card(s) for each round of betting. Thus there are different card values appearing on the table wherein each of the card values is applicable to a different player.

Some of the embodiments described above generally in connection with FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3C and 4A-4C involve a payout odds of 1:1, and in some instances a payout odds according to a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds such as those shown in the above illustrated pay table. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these payout odds only, but rather alternative embodiments can employ payout odds that are other than 1 to 1 and/or other than the odds shown in the above pay table. Moreover, while many of the above-described embodiments involve the use of at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards, alternative styles or types of cards can be used wherein each of the cards nevertheless has indicia corresponding to a point value between 1 and 13, inclusive. Alternatively still, yet other types of cards can be used wherein each of the cards has indicia corresponding to a point value involving a different range of numbers or values. Similarly, alternative embodiments are not limited to two, standard six-sided dice. Rather these embodiments can employ two, non-standard dice, or only one standard or non-standard die, or three or more standard or non-standard dice. Also these embodiments can involve one or more dice that would yield die values having ranges of values other than 2 through 12.

The foregoing disclosure generally pertains to playing wagering games using cards and/or dice in a live table format. However the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a computing and software environment for playing in an electronic video format. The following describes an exemplary operating environment in the general context of a machine or personal computer on which is running an operating system and one or more application programs. However it will be recognized that embodiments of the invention can be implemented with other machines or hardware devices, such as for example hand-held devices; computerized, special-purpose gaming machines; mainframe computers; minicomputers; microprocessor-based consumer electronics; set top boxes; etc. Moreover, these computers or other devices can be interconnected so that they may communicate via a network, including a wide area network (WAN), a large area network (LAN), the Internet, etc. Such communications can be via wireless or wired connections. The one or more software application programs can include data structures, components, applets, program modules, routines, programs, objects, etc., that can all reside on at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium or on one machine, or alternatively, can be distributed over a plurality of machines, some or all of which can be in communication with one another.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a computer 502 according to an embodiment of the invention. The computer 502 is used to receive betting-related information and input from a player, etc. The computer 502 also provides text and images on a display relating to the playing of the wagering games, such as for example images of cards and/or dice, of playing chips or currency, pay scale odds, betting amounts, etc.

The computer 502 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 504 coupled to a system memory 506, preferably including both high speed random access memory (RAM) and non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable or alterable non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). The CPU 504 is further coupled to a mass storage device 508, such as a hard disk drive, which is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and which is for storing operating system programs, data, cryptographic keys, application programs, etc. The computer 502 further includes one or more input/output devices, including, for example, a network interface card (NIC) 510 for wired connections and a transceiver 522 for wireless connections, either or both of which can be for communicating with other devices via a network, such as for example the Internet.

A port 512 for connecting to a portable device, another computer, or other peripheral device, is also included along with one or more removable media drives 514 for reading from, and/or writing to, e.g., diskettes, compact discs, flash drives, DVDs, or other non-transitory computer readable storage media. User interfaces include a display screen controller 516 and a plurality of input and output devices 518, such as, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a microphone, a sound generator, and a joystick, as well as specialized, gaming-related input/output devices such as currency or playing chip receivers (e.g., coin hoppers, coin acceptors, bill validators, etc.), credit/debit card readers, currency or playing chip dispensers, ticket printers or dispensers, player controls, etc. A bi-directional bus 520 interconnects the above-described components of the system.

The operation of the computer 502 is controlled primarily by programs contained in the system memory 506 and executed by the CPU 504. These programs include program modules for accepting input data and for processing the input data in accordance with the embodiments of the invention described herein. For example, the program includes one or more program modules for instructing the CPU 504 to perform certain actions and for receiving betting amount and decision inputs from a player via one or more of the various input/output devices 518, and for providing the player with text and images of cards, dice, betting odds, betting status, payout information, etc. via the display controller 516. It will be appreciated, however, that some or all of the functionality of these program modules could be readily implemented in hardware without departing from the principles of the present inventions.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention provide an enjoyable wagering game that allows a player to bet on the outcome of a comparison of a numerical value determined by a roll of dice and another numerical value determined by a card drawn from a deck. The player wagers that the difference between the numerical card value and the numerical die value will be larger than a predetermined amount.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A method of playing a wagering game, comprising: establishing a wager; rolling at least one die thereby generating a die value; dealing a card thereby displaying a card value; and paying the wager if a difference between the die value and the card value is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the die value is a value between 2 and 12, inclusive.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the rolling of the at least one die comprises rolling two dice each having six faces numbered one to six.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the dealing of the card includes dealing the card from at least one deck of a plurality of cards, and wherein each one of the plurality of cards has a point value between 1 and 13, inclusive.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the at least one deck of the plurality of cards comprises at least one standard deck of 52 cards.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising taking the wager if the difference between the card value and the die value is less than the predetermined amount.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the paying of the wager includes paying the wager in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the difference between the card value and the die value.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the function of the magnitude of the difference is an increase in the payout odds corresponding to an increase in the magnitude of the difference between the card value and the die value.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined amount is a value of six (6) and wherein the paying of the wager includes paying the wager according to the following schedule: Difference between the card value and the die value Payout Odds 6 1 to 1 7 2 to 1 8 3 to 1 9 5 to 1 10 10 to 1  11 30 to 1 


10. A method of playing a wagering game, comprising: establishing a wager; dealing a first card from a first deck thereby displaying a first card value between 1 and 6, inclusive; dealing a second card from a second deck thereby displaying a second card value between 1 and 6, inclusive; wherein the sum of the first card value and the second card value is a combined card value between 2 and 12, inclusive; dealing a third card from a third deck thereby displaying a third card value between 1 and 13, inclusive; paying the wager if a difference between the third card value and the combined card value is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first deck and the second deck each comprises at least one each of an Ace card, a Two card, a Three card, a Four card, a Five card, and a Six card, and wherein the first deck and the second deck include no cards other than the at least one Ace card, the at least one Two card, the at least one Three card, the at least one Four card, the at least one Five card, and the at least one Six card.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the first and second decks contain equal amounts of each of the Ace card, the Two card, the Three card, the Four card, the Five card and the Six card.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the third deck comprises at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards.
 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising taking the wager if the difference between the third card value and the combined card value is less than the predetermined amount.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein the paying of the wager includes paying the wager in accordance with a pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the difference between the third card value and the combined card value.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the function of the magnitude of the difference is an increase in the payout odds corresponding to an increase in the magnitude of the difference between the card value and the die value.
 17. An article of manufacture for use in playing a wagering game and for use by a device having a processing unit, said article of manufacture comprising at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium including at least one computer program embedded therein for use by the device, wherein the at least one computer program instructs the processing unit to perform actions comprising: establishing a wager; displaying at least one die showing a die value; displaying a card showing a card value; taking the wager if a difference between the card value and the die value is less than a predetermined amount; and paying the wager if the difference between the card value and the die value is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount.
 18. The article of manufacture of claim 17 wherein the paying of the wager includes paying the wager in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the difference between the card value and the die value.
 19. The article of manufacture of claim 17 wherein the displaying of the at least one die comprises displaying the rolling of two dice each having six faces numbered one to six, wherein the displaying of the card comprises displaying a drawing of the card from at least one deck of a plurality of cards, and wherein each one of the plurality of cards has a point value between 1 and 13, inclusive.
 20. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein the at least one deck of the plurality of cards comprises at least one standard deck of 52 cards.
 21. A machine for use in playing a wagering game, comprising: a memory; a processing unit coupled to the memory; and an application stored in the memory and operable with the processing unit to perform steps comprising: establishing a wager; displaying at least one die showing a die value; displaying a card showing a card value; taking the wager if a difference between the card value and the die value is less than a predetermined amount; and paying the wager if the difference between the card value and the die value is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount.
 22. The machine of claim 21 wherein the paying of the wager includes paying the wager in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the difference between the card value and the die value.
 23. The machine of claim 21 wherein the displaying of the at least one die comprises displaying the rolling of two dice each having six faces numbered one to six, and wherein the displaying of the card comprises displaying a drawing of the card from at least one deck of a plurality of cards, and wherein each one of the plurality of cards has a point value between 1 and 13, inclusive.
 24. The machine of claim 23 wherein the at least one deck of the plurality of cards comprises at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards.
 25. A method of playing a wagering game, comprising: establishing a wager based upon a prediction of one of a first game outcome and a second game outcome, wherein the first game outcome is a future card point value being less than a future die value, and wherein the second game outcome is the future card point value being greater than the future die value; rolling at least one die thereby generating a present die value; dealing a card thereby displaying a present card value; paying the wager if the present card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome; paying the wager if the present card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome; and returning at least one half of the wager if the present card value is equal to the present die value.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the rolling of the at least one die comprises rolling a first die thereby generating a first die value and rolling a second die thereby generating a second die value, wherein the present die value is the sum of the first die value and the second die value, wherein the returning of the at least one half of the wager includes returning all of the wager if the first die value is equal to the second die value, and returning one half of the wager if the first die value is not equal to the second die value.
 27. The method of claim 25 wherein the present die value is a value between 2 and 12, inclusive.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein the rolling of the at least one die comprises rolling two dice each having six faces numbered one to six.
 29. The method of claim 25 wherein the returning of the at least one half of the wager includes returning all of the wager if the card is of a suit that is the same as a designated suit, and returning one half of the wager if the card is of a suit that is not the same as the designated suit.
 30. The method of claim 25 wherein the card is a first card, the method further comprising: dealing a second card if the present card value is equal to the present die value, wherein the dealing of the second card thereby displays a second card value, wherein the returning of the at least one half of the wager includes: returning all of the wager if the second card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome; returning all of the wager if the second card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome; returning one half of the wager if the second card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome; and returning one half of the wager if the second card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome.
 31. The method of claim 25 wherein dealing the card includes dealing the card from at least one deck of a plurality of cards, and wherein each one of the plurality of cards has a point value between 1 and 13, inclusive.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the at least one deck of a plurality of cards comprises at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards.
 33. A method of playing a wagering game, comprising: establishing a wager based upon a prediction of one of a first game outcome and a second game outcome, wherein the first game outcome is a future card point value being less than a future die value, and wherein the second game outcome is the future card point value being greater than the future die value; rolling at least one die thereby generating a present die value; dealing a first card thereby displaying a present card value; paying the wager if the present card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome; paying the wager if the present card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome; dealing a second card if the present card value is equal to the present die value, wherein the dealing of the second card thereby displays a second card value; returning all of the wager if the present card value is equal to the present die value and if the second card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome; returning all of the wager if the present card value is equal to the present die value and if the second card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome; taking all of the wager if the present card value is equal to the present die value and if the second card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome; and taking all of the wager if the present card value is equal to the present die value and if the second card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome.
 34. A method of playing a wagering game, comprising: establishing a first wager based upon a prediction of one of a first game outcome and a second game outcome, wherein the first game outcome is a future card value being less than a future die value, and wherein the second game outcome is the future card value being greater than the future die value; providing an option to establish a second wager; rolling at least one die thereby generating a present die value; dealing a card thereby displaying a present card value; paying the first wager if the present card value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome; paying the first wager if the present card value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome; and paying the second wager if the option was exercised and if a difference between the present die value and the present card value is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.
 35. The method of claim 34 further comprising returning at least one half of the first wager if the present card value is equal to the present die value.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the rolling of the at least one die comprises rolling a first die thereby generating a first die value and rolling a second die thereby generating a second die value, wherein the present die value is the sum of the first die value and the second die value, wherein the returning of the at least one half of the first wager includes returning all of the first wager if the first die value is equal to the second die value, and returning one half of the first wager if the first die value is not equal to the second die value.
 37. The method of claim 34 further comprising taking the second wager if the option was exercised and if the difference between the present card value and the present die value is less than the predetermined amount.
 38. The method of claim 34 wherein the paying of the second wager includes paying the second wager in accordance with a predetermined pay scale having a plurality of payout odds that vary as a function of the magnitude of the difference between the present card value and the present die value.
 39. The method of claim 34 wherein the rolling of the at least one die comprises rolling two dice each having six faces numbered one to six, wherein the present die value is a value between 2 and 12, inclusive, wherein the dealing of the card includes dealing the card from at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards, wherein each one of the plurality of cards has a point value between 1 and 13, inclusive.
 40. A method of playing a wagering game, comprising: establishing a first wager based upon a prediction of one of a first game outcome and a second game outcome, wherein the first game outcome is a future card point value being less than a future die value, and wherein the second game outcome is the future card point value being greater than the future die value; establishing a second wager; rolling at least one die thereby generating a present die value; dealing a card thereby displaying a present card point value; paying the first wager if the present card point value is less than the present die value and if the prediction is the first game outcome; paying the first wager if the present card point value is greater than the present die value and if the prediction is the second game outcome; and paying the second wager if a difference between the present die value and the present card value is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. 